Watson helps Washington State beat No. 19 Wisconsin 17-14

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Nakia Watson scored two touchdowns in opposition to his former staff as Washington State beat No. 19 Wisconsin 17-14 on Saturday.

Watson scored on a 2-yard run within the second quarter and put the Cougars (2-0) forward for good by turning a brief completion right into a 31-yard rating with 5:12 left within the third quarter. Watson rushed for 522 yards and 5 touchdowns at Wisconsin from 2019-20 earlier than transferring.

“He represented himself and all of the work he is put in,” Washington State coach Jake Dickert stated. “I am happy with him.”

A recreation that featured three turnovers by every staff and a number of weird performs produced a contented homecoming for Dickert.

Dickert was born within the Milwaukee suburb of Waukesha, Wisconsin, about 65 miles east of Camp Randall Stadium. Dickert performed for Wisconsin-Stevens Level from 2002-06, and about 200 buddies and kin gathered for a pregame tailgate Saturday.

“My grandma informed me one thing right this moment, your grandpa could be so proud if my grandpa was nonetheless right here,” Dickert stated. “That is a particular second. Particular people who simply know me as Jake Dickert. That is at all times what we have been. I am simply proud to have the ability to win this recreation with all of them right here cheering us on.”

This recreation featured two separate performs by which one staff intercepted a cross after which fumbled the ball away, creating a primary down for the staff that threw the choose.

Wisconsin (1-1) trailed 17-14 and confronted third-and-6 from the Washington State 9 halfway via the fourth quarter when defensive sort out Christian Mejia picked off a Graham Mertz cross earlier than shedding the soccer. Wisconsin recovered on the Washington State 20, however a private foul on Badgers tight finish Clay Cundiff after the play pushed them again to the 35.

Cundiff then caught a 24-yard cross, however Quinn Roff pressured a fumble that Sam Lockett III recovered on the 12 with 5:14 left.

Washington State by no means gave up possession the remainder of the best way.

Wisconsin’s two touchdowns got here within the second quarter on passes from Mertz to Cundiff. They related on a 17-yarder and a 10-yarder, the latter coming 20 seconds earlier than halftime.

These had been Cundiff’s first touchdowns for the reason that tight finish dislocated his proper ankle, broke a fibula and tore a foot ligament in a victory over Iowa final October. His first recreation again from that harm got here in Wisconsin’s 38-0 victory over Illinois State final 12 months.

Washington State rallied from a 14-7 halftime deficit. The Cougars capitalized on Wisconsin’s 11 penalties and two missed field-goal makes an attempt.

“We did not assist ourselves,” Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst stated.

The Cougars trailed 14-10 and had third and 10 from their 47 when Ward was hit by Kamo’I Latu simply as he threw a cross that Wisconsin’s Jay Shaw picked off. Washington State receiver Lincoln Victor then utilized successful that knocked the ball unfastened, and heart Konner Gomness recovered the fumble on the Wisconsin 49.

As a substitute of shedding the ball on the turnover, Washington State immediately had a primary down simply past midfield.

Six performs later, Watson caught a cross simply past the road of scrimmage, made a spin transfer to get previous Latu on the 30 and raced untouched the remainder of the best way for a 31-yard landing that put the Cougars forward 17-14.

THE TAKEAWAY

Washington State: The Cougars overcame an harm to defensive backs Derrick Langford Jr. and Ward’s two interceptions to supply a serious highway victory.

Wisconsin: The Badgers managed the ball for over 38 minutes however had continuous breakdowns. Vito Calvaruzo missed field-goal makes an attempt from 51 and 43 yards out, and the Badgers had 103 yards in penalties.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Wisconsin figures to fall out of the ballot, whereas Washington State ought to at the least get some votes.

UP NEXT

Washington State: Hosts Colorado State on Saturday.

Wisconsin: Hosts New Mexico State on Saturday.

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